AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

AA Car Inspections inspect the car from the inside out. We can look at second hand cars that you’re thinking of buying from popular websites such as Done Deal, CBG.ie and Carzone and report back to you on the same day.

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Audi A3 ( 2003)

67/100

our score

Pros

Styling & Design

Fab proportions

Engine Specifications

Engines for all

Performance

TDis and Turbos

Ride & Handling

Faster is funner

Interior & Ergonomics

Superb interface

Space & Practicality

Huge boot

Safety

Average spec

Value & Running Costs

Resale

Quality & Refinement

Smooth engines

Equipment

Basics covered

Summary

Handsome, fun to drive, ergonomics.

Cons

Styling & Design

Flat flanks

Engine Specifications

Why no V6 S3?

Performance

Older engine

Ride & Handling

S3, basic models

Interior & Ergonomics

Featureless

Space & Practicality

Cramped rear

Safety

4 NCPA Stars

Value & Running Costs

10 grand premium

Quality & Refinement

So-so plastics

Equipment

A/C Optional?

Summary

Cramped, expensive, quality.

Style & Design

8/10

The Golf-based hatch has been around a while now but it still looks fantastic. It’s not a particularly bold or adventurous design - it simply has its dimensions and proportions spot on and is topped off with simple, yet aggressive and effective, detailing.

Performance

8/10

The 1.6 & 1.9 TDi feel slow. The 1.8T is 1.1secs quicker to 100km/h than the 2.0 FSi while the 1.4T knocks 1.3 seconds off 1.6 FSi 0-100km/h time. The 2.0 TDi 140bhp feels quick but the 170bhp is a real-world rocket. The 2.0T and V6 are fast but the S3 is a proper flier (0-100km/h in just 5.7secs).

Ride & Handling

7/10

The Audi A3 takes things a little more seriously than the Golf on which it’s based, riding smoothly (if firmly) and handling confidently. As power increases, so do the fun levels, culminating in the fun 2.0T and 2.0 TDi models. The S3 is a disappointment - too much grip and not enough feel.

Interior & Ergonomics

8/10

The A3’s dashboard might be sobre and austere but it is supremely easy to use, with near-perfect ergonomics and a driving position that can be tailored to suit everyone. Upmarket models are a little less depressing inside although even the top S3 models feels sparse.

Quality & Refinement

7/10

Audi plastics have an upmarket feel, but the A3 is let down by some boring parts-bin switchgear and occasional flimsiness. It feels more VW than BMW-rival. Refinement is excellent, though, as long as you avoid the sport suspension, and the turbo engines are smooth and hushed too.

Safety

7/10

Even base models are fitted with front, side and curtain airbags, traction control, anti-whiplash headrests and three 3-point seatbelts and headrests in the rear. Its 4-Star NCAP rating is disappointing, however and ESP remains optional on most models.

Space & Practicality

5/10

The A3 is superbly comfortable in the front, but rear space is quite disappointing. The low roofline eats into headroom and legroom isn’t exactly overflowing either. The boot is big and the seats split and fold, but the back isn’t a place for adults at all, especially in three-door form.

Value & Running Costs

4/10

The A3 costs about ten grand more than the equivalent Golf, which is tough to justify given how similar they are. The Golf is more spacious too, making the A3 seem all the more silly. Residual values will be strong and running costs won’t be too bad, but how badly do you want that badge?

A 125hp 1.4 Turbo has replaced the 115hp 1.6 and a 160hp 1.8 Turbo has displaced the 150bhp 2.0. Entry-level 102hp 1.6 soldiers on but is best avoided, as is the 105hp 1.9 TDi, 230hp 3.2 V6 and 265hp 2.0 Turbo in the S3. Opt for the 1.4 or 1.8 Turbos or a 2.0TDi (140 or 170bhp).

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01 JAN

0/5

Despite their own advertising Audi has always designed an extremely attractive and comfortable car and the second generation Audi A3 is no different. Curvaceous and with the same grill as other Audi cars the A3...